Tooling Engineer

About the Role

Responsibilities

• Own the design, development, and implementation of tooling, fixtures, and jigs for weldment fabrication, component alignment, and final skid assembly on Karman's sCO₂ turbomachinery systems
• Design and structurally validate (FEMAP/NX Nastran or ANSYS) lift, rigging, and transport tooling — spreader bars, tow/pull systems, forklift and crane interfaces — for large hardware up to 120,000+ lbs
• Partner with mechanical, turbomachinery, and manufacturing engineering to build DFM/DFA, GD&T, and tolerance stack-up feedback into hardware before release
• Generate 3D models, drawings, and fabrication packages (NX/Teamcenter); source and manage external fabrication vendors on cost, schedule, and quality
• Design tooling and equipment layouts that integrate cleanly with the production floor as it scales
• Support hands-on tooling installation, commissioning, and load testing/certification of safety-critical fixtures and lifting equipment, driving root cause and corrective action as issues arise
• Be a visible presence on the shop floor and maintain a live tooling schedule against program milestones, flagging risk early

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• Experience designing tooling, jigs, or fixtures for production, assembly, or test environments
• Strong 3D CAD skills (NX preferred); proficiency in FEMAP/NX Nastran or ANSYS for structural analysis of tooling and lifting/rigging equipment — must-have
• Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and structural sizing codes/standards for rigging equipment (e.g., ASME BTH-1, 49 CFR, ASCE 7)
• Familiarity with common fabrication processes (welding, machining, assembly, inspection) and how they inform tooling design
• Comfortable working hands-on during tool installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting alongside a fabrication/build team
• Strong ownership mentality and effective cross-disciplinary/vendor communication in a fast-moving, resource-constrained environment

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Comfortable spending time on the shop floor around active fabrication, assembly, and test operations

Desired Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Exposure to turbomachinery, heat exchangers, or high-temperature fluid systems
• Experience with electromechanical tooling elements (motors, actuators, linear rails, bearings)
• Basic proficiency in Python or MATLAB, and familiarity with instrumentation/testing of thermal or mechanical systems
• Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay are determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, full-time hires may also be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision, and dental coverage, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Karman Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Karman Industries is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. Karman Industries provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.